artisitc_eye Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 I know B&H is a trusted dealer, but for the savings of $500+ US dollars, I canbuy more glass!? What to do? I'm looking at a D200, and would like to purchase a second flash (SB600) and anadditional lens 2.8 28-70 ED-IFAF-S Zoom Nikkor... not to mention the dang MBbattery pack. I'm not rich, and I could really use a good deal. But I am going to trust youfolks at Photo.net to guide me here... do I go with a "good deal" where I canhaggle a package? Or do I stick with B&H? Thanks for your two cents!Laura Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evan_goulet Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 Whatever you try to do, please check the store's ratings at <a href="http://www.resellerratings.com">www.resellerratings.com</a>. Generally if someone is way below B&H it is going to be a bait and switch scam. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artisitc_eye Posted April 6, 2007 Author Share Posted April 6, 2007 Thank you! I will take a look. Laura Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roger_smith4 Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 "do I go with a "good deal" where I can haggle a package? Or do I stick with B&H?" If you don't mind not getting what you wanted, try the "good deal" and good luck. If you really can't afford what you want to buy, try B&H secondhand and keh.com. I just got a Canon 20D used from B&H that looks new for a bit over $700. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruce_margolis Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 Laura, B&H doesn't always have the best price for certain items but if you are saying you can find a D200 for $500 less, I would be skeptical. At the very least, it would be a reconditioned unit which would mean the only warranty is what the dealer offers. Nikon will service it but not in warranty. You didn't mention the dealer but if they have a low rating on resellerratings.com, you want to pass on it. Most likely, it is a bait and switch. There are at least a few of these posted every week here. You can check out the names of some dealers here on PN as well by doing a search. I know, a good deal is hard to pass up but after reading what others say about the 'good deal', you will want to run. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artisitc_eye Posted April 6, 2007 Author Share Posted April 6, 2007 Thanks guys! Resellerratings.com is now my "go-to" without a doubt! Several of the dealers,fotoconnection - best price cameras - usa photonation - cci camera city - royal camera ,had terrible ratings & reviews straight out of a nightmare! I'm very glad to have been directed their way & now I have narrowed down my search to H1 Photo, Calumet, Adorama & B&H Photo. Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
will_webster Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 Laura, KEH (keh.com) is also a very reputable source - their primary business is used equipment but they also have a fair amount of new stock. Sometimes they're cheaper than B&H, sometimes not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digitmstr Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 >>for the savings of $500+ US dollars, I can buy more glass!? What to do?<< You weren't specific at all in your post as to what you are trying to buy. However, I will offer this: ANY dealer offering ANY camera that is $500.00 (USD) less than B&H is a SCAM, guaranteed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digitmstr Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 Sorry, I meant specific as to dealer offering such a price for the camera and acc. you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruce_margolis Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 Laura, I have dealt with all the dealers you mentioned except H1 and all are reputable. There are many other good dealers as well but none will sell a D200 for $500 below B&H. There is not a person here who wouldn't want to buy a D200 for less than the cost of a D80 but most know it just ain't gonna happen. Sorry about the disappointment but much better to find out about it before you pluck down the money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryw1 Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 I find B&H to be one of the most honest dealers out there. They have been in business a long time and most of their customers are very satisfied. When ever I have told customer to go to B&H I get a thank you letter back Barry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nolefan32 Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 "I have narrowed down my search to H1 Photo, Calumet, Adorama & B&H Photo." That's pretty much the short list I was planning to recommend, as well. Beach Photo also has a pretty good rating, as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artisitc_eye Posted April 6, 2007 Author Share Posted April 6, 2007 I'm so excited, Thanks guys! I asked for quotes from H1 Photo, Calumet, Adorama & B&H Photo and I am taking Calumets offer of $1931.91 with shipping & no tax So to be a bit more specific on my purchase here is the list D200 Body only * MB-D200 Vertical Grip * (2) EN-ELE3 li-ion battery * SB-600 Flash * Sandisk 2GB Ultra II CF card * 62mm uv filter * 67mm uv filter * 77mm uv filter I have a SB-800 and love it, just need more light for dark & dingy churches. The filters are a goof. I had my husband buy me filters as a gift, and he choose all polarized which are nice, but not every day nice. The memory cards make me laugh, are they going to be as cheap as film soon? Seriously, the price just keeps dropping! There will be a day when digtal is a thing of the past, and we purchase brain scanners to read and print the image as we "see" it! Yikes Thanks again for everything guys, you made this a very stress free experience. Laura Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john schroeder Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 Laura, The best prices is rarely the best value. You should also shop your local stores. They may be more willing to give you a price break when buying a several items. Don't forget that when you buy online you have no body to call for help. You will not receive any customer service because you didn't pay for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stwrtertbsratbs5 Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 "Don't forget that when you buy online you have no body to call for help." The local shop can't repair a D200. And most of the local shops aren't staffed with geniuses. You have the manufacturer to call for help - no matter where you buy. As long as you buy US product. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim_Lookingbill Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 OK, I paid $477 for the Pentax K100D DSLR with 18-55mm kit lens from BeachCamera. Should I have paid more to get the best value? I'm totally confused and a bit weary, guilty and ripped off for paying such a low price and now wondering what's really coming by FedEx from these guys. What do I look out for? There's no one in my rural town that sells camera's except OfficeMax and Walmart and they don't have the price and model I want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitchfalk Posted April 7, 2007 Share Posted April 7, 2007 For buying stuff B&H is probably the best, for selling - they all give you a poker face and practically nothing for your equipment, even in mint condition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericreagan Posted April 7, 2007 Share Posted April 7, 2007 I would buy online from only 3 places: <p> <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com">B&H</a><p> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=dslr&tag=cyclingshots-20&index=photo&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Amazon</a> <p><a href="http://www.17photo.com/">17th Street Photo</a> <p> I've had great luck with all of these places and wouldn't hesitate to fork over a couple grand for any photo gear from these guys. But that's just me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BernardMiller Posted April 7, 2007 Share Posted April 7, 2007 Eric's list is a very good combination of best price/dependable sellers. I would also add Roberts Distributors <www.robertsimaging.com> in Indianapolis. I often visit their store when I am in Indy, and I have ordered from them (including my D70 a while back) over the phone and online. Reasonably competitive prices and excellent service every time, whether face-to-face or remotely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaxphotocat Posted April 7, 2007 Share Posted April 7, 2007 I have used these vendors and have been happy. B&H Photo BuyDig.com Calumet Photo Freestyle Photo Ritz Camera Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joseph_wisniewski Posted April 8, 2007 Share Posted April 8, 2007 Roberts is a weird mix of good and slime. I won't go near them after the business they pulled on the Sandisk memory valentines day special last year. If the search engine at dpReview ever works again, I'll post a pointer to the whole mess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_sevigny Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 B&H is the best there is. KEH is also good. I don't think I'd order from anyone else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom_jenner1 Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 I once placed an order at B and H and there was some glitch where they ended up over charging my credit card by $2.50. They called to tell me about the error and I told them thanks, just throw a cheap roll of film in with the order and forget about it. I appreciate their intergrity and have been using them ever since. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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